EU AFIR Sets 2027 Plug-and-Charge Deadline

  New and refurbished chargers must align with ISO 15118-20, pushing operators toward upgradeable, software-led systems  

12 Feb 2026

Europe’s electric vehicle charging sector is entering a new regulatory phase as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, known as AFIR, sets deadlines for more interoperable and digitally enabled networks across the bloc.

Under the rules, new and significantly refurbished public chargers will need to support evolving Plug and Charge functionality by 2027. The framework relies on ISO 15118-20, a technical standard that governs secure communication between vehicles and charging stations, enabling automatic authentication and contract-based payments.

AFIR does not impose a standalone technical specification. Instead, it creates binding EU-wide requirements for public charging infrastructure, with a focus on interoperability and user experience. ISO 15118-20 underpins those objectives by allowing vehicles and chargers to exchange data securely and to support more advanced energy services.

The regulation does not require a blanket retrofit of existing equipment. Its main focus is on new installations and major upgrades, including private and semi-public sites such as fleet depots and workplace charging hubs. For operators planning expansions or refurbishments, however, compliance will be mandatory. Investment decisions taken now are likely to shape regulatory alignment and competitive positioning beyond 2027.

Industry advisers are urging companies to prepare early. Groups such as The Mobility House have argued that chargers installed today should be capable of remote software updates and protocol changes, reducing the risk of hardware replacement as standards evolve. The debate in boardrooms is shifting from upfront capital costs to long-term system flexibility.

Manufacturers are adjusting their strategies. Companies including Smappee and Vector are promoting upgradeable hardware and advanced control software as future-ready offerings. While these claims do not amount to regulatory endorsement, they reflect a market moving towards software-centric platforms and service-based revenue models.

ISO 15118-20 also enables features such as dynamic load management and readiness for bidirectional charging, which allows vehicles to feed electricity back to the grid. Whether these capabilities translate into new revenue streams will depend on national market rules, vehicle uptake and grid integration policies.

As the 2027 deadline approaches, AFIR is prompting operators to reassess infrastructure plans. The regulation provides the framework for interoperability and digital integration, but its commercial impact will depend on how member states and market participants implement it.